Ransomed Dreams by Amy Wallace Page B

handcuffs before starting out. He searched for the right-sized rock. If she’d be still, he would manage the middle link and deal with the rest later. “Tell me.”
    “Nothing.”
    Steven’s chest constricted in a vise.
    Too late by half was still too late.

11
    T wo days and nothing.
    Maria sat in the command center at the embassy and watched the surveillance tapes of Victoria’s father. Her security detail would begin ten minutes past eight, bright and early Friday morning.
    Victoria had requested a park trip today.
    Not a chance. Public places with unmanned escape routes were off-limits for the little blond whirlwind’s foreseeable future. Thankfully, school started in a month to provide much needed socialization and structure.
    Maria returned to viewing the tapes.
    Service scuttlebutt said Sir Walter Kensington’s deportation loomed over the embassy like a thunderhead. No one on his detail would miss him. Victoria had no inkling. At six, she didn’t need to. But it broke Maria’s heart that the bright little doll she’d fallen for would have her world turned topsy-turvy in a matter of days.
    Agent David Adams entered the command center and slammed the door. “Diplomatic immunity my …”
    “Whoa. No sailor-speak. Please.” Maria cocked her head to the side and smiled. “Can you start over and explain your outburst?”
    Agents around her continued their surveillance. The clicking computer keys didn’t even miss a stroke.
    David twisted his wedding band and then played like a statue until the red in his face faded. “Between the FBI and the president. Sir Walter will remain in the country in his official capacity indefinitely.”
    “Why does that steam you?” All other conversation in the room stilled. She hated having an audience.
    “Because.” David clenched his jaw. “It means the entire diplomatic community will feel empowered to do whatever they …” He took a deep breath. “It sends the message that our government is filled with bleeding hearts who look at a man’s circumstances to determine justice.”
    Maria studied her supervisor’s profile. She didn’t want to debate, but she believed Steven Kessler had good reason to allow the ambassador to remain in the country. International politics notwithstanding. Therein lay a powder keg she wouldn’t broach. “Sir Walter’s still under investigation. He won’t escape the consequences.”
    “You sticking up for Kessler? Stand in line behind all the rest of the female population.” Other agents snickered as David took a seat behind his makeshift desk—a thin, ornate table from one of the embassy’s storage rooms.
    Maria ignored the insult and focused on her surroundings as agents returned to work. “Jealous, Agent Adams?” Michael Parker, the token FBI agent left to keep watch over Sir Walter, stood to stretch. He grinned in her direction.
    Get real, rookie
. Not every woman had the hots for him. Someone should enlighten him about that soon.
    Anyone but her.
    Michael’s reputation preceded him. His loose lips had sunk any hopes of his being worth her time. Maybe Steven Kessler and his tall Texas partner would teach the new CACU agent a thing or two about manners and how to treat women.
    “Why are you still here. Agent Parker?” David kept his eyes focused on the computer monitor in front of him. “Now that your boss has left our presence, this is Secret Service territory.”
    “Cryptographic superiority maybe?” Michael stood at attention. “FBI ongoing investigation. Because I caught the ambassador’s e-mail deletions before you had your first cup of coffee. Take your pick.”
    David glared.
    Michael winked at her.
    Her internal alarm said work duties called. With a sigh of relief, she exited the testosterone-filled room.
    Victoria and her governess strolled through the embassy’s English gardens. High brick walls kept the public out of sight and Victoria safe.
    Maria nodded to the other agent, John Reynolds, already posted.